Intensive Restorative Circle Keeping Training

This three-day in-person training - with three online coaching sessions between training days - is designed for professionals working in Family Resource Centres, Youth Services, Social Work, Homeless Services, Women’s Refuges and other community support roles.

Dates: Wednesdays, 30 September & 25 November 2026 & and 10 February 2027
Times: In-person at Athlone Family Resource Centre 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online Coaching Sessions: Three 60-minute evening Zoom sessions 7 - 8 p.m., dates to be agreed at first session
Location: Athlone Family Resource Centre - Parking available on site
Fee: €690 for all three days + three online coaching sessions
Early Bird: €620 (if booked before 30 June 2026)
Group rate available on request, just send us an email

THE PROGRAMME

Day One – Foundations of Restorative Circles

• How Circle Practice is structured
• The Role of the Circle Keeper
• Key principles from Affect Theory, Polyvagal Theory and indigenous teachings
• Establishing shared values, agreements and psychological safety

Day Two – Going Deeper into Practice

• Understanding and working with the Dynamics of Shame in Circle
• Human Experience in Circle as a Ceremony
• Creating Balance and Stability in Circle

Day Three – The Scope of Circle Keeping

• The Dimensions of Harm through Circle Keeping
• The scope of Circle Keeping – from community building to addressing serious harms
• Reaching consensus, repairing harm and brokering solutions in Circle

Three Online Feedback and Coaching Sessions
Three 60-minute sessions (dates to be confirmed) between the in-person days for practice review, troubleshooting and ongoing support.

Limited to 16 participants. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance. CPD accreditation application is currently in progress. This training represents approximately 21 hours of structured professional development. Early booking recommended!

See www.afrc.ie/circlekeeping for more detials, including biography of facilitator Monica Monahan and references.